African Regional Group Laments Too Many Security Checkpoints At Nigerian Borders

By Ayodele Oni

The Secretary-General, Abidjan- Lagos Corridor Organization, (ALCO), Mr Idrissa Kone has observed that too many security checkpoints in Nigerian borders is hampering activities of the organization.

Mr Kone observed that this is hampering movement of people, goods and services.

ALCO is an initiative of five coastal African countries of Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Benin Republic and Nigeria established in 2002.

Part of its objectives include prevention, treatment, care and support on HIV/AIDS, as well as facilitation of trade and transport relations in line with the protocols of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Speaking during a visit to the Minister of state for transportation, Ademola Adegoroye in Abuja, the coordinator urged the Nigerian government to work towards reducing the number of checkpoints and harassment of people by security agencies along the Nigerian border roads.

He disclosed that the organization has recorded a lot of achievements along the corridor in the last 20 years of its existence, especially in the promotion of regional integration among the five member states.

In his response, the Minister of state assured that the federal government will continue to play a crucial role in the sustenance of the activities of ALCO in facilitating free movement of goods and people among member countries.

In a statement, the media aide to the Minister, Ebenezer Adeniyan stated that Adegoroye, saluted the vision of the founding fathers of the organization, stressing that its advantages cannot be over-emphasized.

Adegoroye, who lauded the efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari in promoting regional integration in Africa, said Nigeria must do everything possible to sustain and improve on the initiative.

The Minister then promised that the federal government will fulfill its outstanding commitments to the organization, urging ALCO to also explore other sources of funding for its activities, especially regular collection of data.